Referencing Fee £125.00 + VAT -Per applicant over the age of 18.
Tenancy Admin Fee £60.00 + VAT -Flat fee.
Checkout Fee £POA Taken at the end of the tenancy

Referencing
Fee £125.00 + VAT (Per applicant over the age of 18)

Tenancy
Admin Fee £60.00 + VAT (Per Tenancy)

Dilapidations
Deposit (One month and a half of rental amount)

Checkout
Fee varies (Taken at the end of the tenancy)

First months rent and dilapidation deposit will need to be paid before or on the start
of the tenancy, the funds MUST be cleared before you can move into the property.

If you fail the referencing procedure the holding deposit is NON REFUNDABLE

Your responsibilities as a tenant

At the heart of the renting process is the understanding that, when you move out, the property is left in the same condition as it was when you moved in (excepting things such as ‘reasonable wear and tear’). As such, it’s your responsibility to make sure the house is kept in a good condition, and is treated with respect. If breakages or damages occur as a result of your actions they must be put right, and the landlord informed straight away. At the beginning of the tenancy you should make sure a thorough inventory is carried out with the landlord or letting agent. This is where both parties agree on the condition of the property and its furnishings, and it can help prevent or remedy disputes at the end of the contract. It’s your responsibility to adhere to the terms and conditions of your contract, usually known as an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST), so it’s vital that you read this document thoroughly before signing it – and flag anything you’re unsure of. The contract will stipulate terms regarding deposits, notice periods, specific responsibilities and actions to be taken in the event of a change of circumstance or issue with the property. As a tenant, you’re also liable for the conduct of anyone else you invite into the property, and – if they cause damage – you’ll be responsible for it. Note that persistently inviting troublemakers into your home, or using it for illegal activity, can result in a swift eviction!

Tenants’ insurance

When you sign your contract, make sure you’re clear on tenants’ insurance requirements. Many contracts will stipulate as a condition of tenancy that you take out an insurance policy. The policies on offer vary, and can provide cover for your possessions only, or for damage to the property as well. Your landlord needs to have specific landlord insurance in place, too, or at least buildings insurance. It’s worth asking to make sure this is in order.

Your deposit

When you hand over your deposit, the landlord/ Agent has a legal obligation to put it into a tenancy deposit protection scheme. This means that a third party has control of the deposit and ensures you don’t lose out in the event of a dispute with your landlord. By a maximum of 30 days after signing the contract, your landlord or Agent must provide written information about where the money is being held, how you can release it and what to do in the event of a dispute. Orchard Property Services are registered with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme https://www.tds.gb.com/

Landlord responsibilities

Your landlord has a number of responsibilities to you as a tenant. These will be clarified in your contract, but will usually include:

– Proper and timely repairs and maintenance for external and structural issues, plus internal elements such as pipes, radiators boilers and toilets/showers in the event of a breakdown

– Regular safety checks on gas, electricity and related appliances

– The provision of an energy performance certificate, which gives details on the property’s energy rating and costs

Your rights as a tenant

As a tenant you have the right to ‘quiet enjoyment’ of the property. This means that your landlord is not allowed to harass you or come around unannounced. Most contracts will stipulate the need for occasional inspections, or, if you’re moving out, the requirement to show prospective tenants around, but you must be given at least 24 hours’ notice of a visit. You also have the right to properly fulfil any notice periods stipulated in your contract. If there is a clause that says the landlord must give you two months’ notice of the end of the tenancy then they must uphold that and cannot make you leave any earlier (which would constitute an illegal eviction). Equally, as a tenant you must uphold the same values and give proper notice in accordance with your contract. Tenants entering into a fixed-term contract are also entitled to fixed rent, meaning that landlords cannot increase the cost of rent unless you have signed a contract agreeing to this. Bear in mind that rents can be increased upon contract renewal, or at any time if your contract becomes periodic (a ‘rolling’ basis).

Questions?

If you wish to speak to a member of the Orchard Lettings Staff regarding anything to do with finding a property or you are currently a tenant of Orchard’s, please call 01895 623 666 (Ruislip) or 01895 623 626 (Ickenham) we look forward to hearing from you.

ADDITIONAL FEES, all fees include VAT

Landlords

Deposit Registration Fee – £90

Register the landlord and tenant details and protect the security deposit with a Government-authorised Scheme

Provide the tenant(s) with the Deposit Certificate and Prescribed Information within30 days of start of tenancy

Tenancy Preparation Fee – £120

Preparation of our tenancy agreement usually being for a fixed term of 12 months or less

The tenancy Fee is charged on any extension and renewal of the same tenants

Check in Fee – From £100 (dependant on property size)

Agree with tenant check in date and time appointment

Instruct inventory provider to attend

Inventory Make – From £100 (dependant on property size)

Compile a detailed report of the property condition and fixtures and fittings

Preparation of our tenancy agreement usually being for a fixed term of 12 months or less

The tenancy Fee is charged on any extension and renewal of the same tenants

Renewal Tenancy Fee – £72 (per tenancy)

Contract negotiation, amending and updating terms and arranging a further tenancy and agreement

Late Payment Fee – £36 (per seven days)

Check Out Fee – From £100 (dependant on property size)

Instruct inventory provider to attend, Negotiate with tenant any disbursement of the security deposit, return the deposit as agreed by both parties, remit any disputed amount to Scheme for final adjustment, unprotect security deposit